The New York Yankees’ bullpen might not be a finished masterpiece, but dismissing its potential would be a mistake. Here’s the bold truth: while it’s far from perfect, its upside is undeniable—and that’s where things get intriguing. Let’s break it down.
The Yankees’ roster is still a work in progress. They’re openly hunting for a right-handed bench bat, and bolstering the bullpen with one or two more arms wouldn’t hurt. Interestingly, they’ve decided to kick off the season with their current starting rotation, despite knowing they’ll be without Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt on Opening Day. An injury or two during spring training could spell trouble, but the front office seems willing to roll the dice—for now.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While many fans are fixated on the bullpen’s current state, it’s not the doomsday scenario some make it out to be. Yes, the unit lost key arms like Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, and the offseason moves—retaining Tim Hill, Paul Blackburn, and Ryan Yarbrough, adding Cade Winquest via the Rule 5 Draft, and trading for Angel Chivilli—haven’t exactly wowed anyone. Yet, if we focus solely on potential, there’s a compelling case to be made that the Yankees’ relief corps has plenty of it.
Start with the elite swing-and-miss duo of Fernando Cruz and David Bednar. Cruz and Bednar finished 5th and 11th in strikeout rate last year among pitchers with at least 40 innings. Bednar, acquired from Pittsburgh at the Trade Deadline, is the safer bet to dominate in 2026 after a sharp showing as the closer last season. Cruz, however, can’t be overlooked. After a healthy offseason, his command—which faltered late last year following an oblique injury—could rebound. If his splitter returns to its early-2025 form, he’s a game-changer.
And this is the part most people miss: Camilo Doval, despite early struggles after arriving in the Bronx mid-season, finished 2025 on a high note. He closed out the regular season with five scoreless innings in his final six outings, then posted a 2.70 ERA in the ALDS against Toronto. With closer pedigree and a proven ability to adjust, Doval’s arrow is pointing up for 2026. His dynamic stuff could make him a breakout star.
Hill may not be a strikeout artist, but his consistency since joining the Yankees in June 2024 is impressive. His 2.68 ERA over 111 innings rivals that of Phillies closer Jhoan Duran—different styles, same results. Meanwhile, Chivilli and Jake Bird are intriguing bounce-back candidates. Both former Rockies pitchers are just a tweak or two away from becoming reliable options against righty-heavy lineups. Winquest brings an exciting profile, while Yarbrough and Blackburn provide affordable, versatile innings.
Depth isn’t an issue either. If the rotation stays healthy and Cole or Rodón returns by May, a starter could shift to the bullpen if needed. Prospects like Brent Headrick—who struck out 32.6% of batters faced with a 3.13 ERA last year—and Yerry De Los Santos are also in the mix. Plus, top pitching prospects Carlos Lagrange and Elmer Rodríguez could contribute at the MLB level this year if health cooperates.
Here’s the kicker: The Yankees employ one of the game’s best pitching coaches, Matt Blake. Under his guidance, any pitcher with raw talent and a willingness to learn has a shot to develop into a contributor. Sure, adding a proven reliever via free agency or trade would be ideal—I’m all for it. But this bullpen isn’t the disaster some believe it to be. And let’s be honest: even dominant bullpens (like the 2025 Dodgers) hit rough patches.
We’re not claiming the Yankees’ relief corps is a top-five unit in MLB—it’s not. But with a few breaks going their way, it could emerge as a strength. So, here’s the question: Are we underestimating this bullpen’s potential, or is the risk too great to ignore? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
